Each year, thousands of injuries occur when an electrically powered tool or machine unexpectedly starts after a power interruption. This preventable hazard is caused when a tool's switch is left "on" after a power outage, circuit breaker trip or accidental unplugging from the wall outlet. While the anti-restart requirement is found in the general industry standards, not construction, OSHA and HIOSH can still cite us. There is an OSHA requirement to provide a safe and healthful working place, free of recognized hazards. This type of hazard is preventable and should be anticipated.

Any tool that has an on/off toggle switch or locking trigger can be unintentionally left on after a power outage or disconnection. These tools will automatically restart when power is restored, potentially injuring workers. Some of these tools include table and other saws, routers such as pipe bevelers, planers, sanders, some angle grinders. Grinders and sanders can walk over a surface, cutting or striking an employee. Clothing can get caught up in the equipment and cause amputations or trauma.

One anti-restart device we are considering works by recognizing when your tool's power switch is left "on" and instantly puts up a protective "Gate," stopping the flow of electricity. The bright yellow LED indicator tells you that your device is in "protect mode." It will not allow electricity to flow to the tool. To reset this device, simply turn your tool's power switch to OFF. There are no buttons to push or switches to reset on your device. Once you shut off the power tool, you can restart it just by turning it back on. This device plugs into a wall outlet or temporary power on your generator (see photo).

Before we order these devices, we need to determine which power tools we use would require them. There is an easy way to determine which tool will restart, and it only takes two people a minute or two to conduct the test. Please perform this test on any power tool with an on/off switch or locking trigger. Dead man pressure switches will not restart.

Testing your power tools

Plug in the tool to be used

Turn it on

While on, have the second person unplug the tool from the power source

Allow the tool to come to a complete stop, leave the tool in the ON position

Have the second person plug the tool back in

See if the tool restarts

For any tool restarting, please notify your superintendent of the tool name and quantity that you have.

Consider which tools you might have at home that could restart and injure a family member. A simple device like this could prevent a severe injury, at home or at work.